Renewing the Anarchist Tradition

RAT is meant as one contribution to the project of developing a more rigorous as well as contemporary theoretical framework for anarchism and/or from an anti-authoritarian Left perspective, as well as to assist in nurturing new generations of anarchist public intellectuals. Thus, as opposed to conferences that attempt to create anarchist organizations, statements of purpose, or focus on "lifestyle anarchism" or how-tos, RAT brings together scholars, activists, educators, writers, organizers, and students to explore how anarchists make sense of their own tradition; how we understand anarchism in the context of our lives, movements, and present-day social conditions; and how the conceptual tools that the anarchist tradition provides can be updated and/or reconsidered.

We hope that RAT continues to raise difficult questions--questions ranging from the character of social change to the ongoing relevance of categories such as class, community, and labor; from the changing shape of the state and capital to emergent forms of both domination and resistance in a globalizing world; from anarchism's relation to geopolitical concerns such as nationalism and fundamentalism to its ability to grapple with issues of identity such as race, gender, and sexuality; to a host of other controversial, contested, or even uncharted subjects.

Alongside a packed weekend of presentations in a supportive and participatory atmosphere, the beautiful rural Vermont setting also affords the opportunity to meet other anarchists and radicals, relax around a campfire, or enjoy a swim. As well, RAT will likely include anarchist videos, a mini-bookfair, and an evening of performance art.

Anarchism has tended to be a dynamic theory and practice, and its influence in anticapitalist struggles around the world has become keenly apparent of late. We are, as it were, inside history, and if anarchism is to continue to be relevant to this moment of global
transformations, it must not only understand the present but also scrutinize its own internal taboos and tensions; it must not only be able to describe contemporary forms of hierarchy and oppression but also articulate openings for a radical reshaping of social relations and material conditions along ethical lines. The work that all of us attempt to do now, the ideas and values we struggle to put into words and practice, will have profound implications for how this historical moment structures the future. The Renewing the Anarchist Tradition conference is a modest addition to the grand anarchist project of the present to ensure a freer tomorrow for all.

The renaissance afforded to anarchism in the short few years since Seattle offers those of us committed to this political philosophy and praxis an opportunity to develop a critical anarchist theory that speaks to the times and offers a sense of real possibility. We hope that this weekend's conference this upcoming summer provides everyone an intellectually stimulating space to present and debate ideas among colleagues, comrades, and friends, old and new. By doing so, we are all contributing toward renewing anarchism's aspiration of building a free society of free individuals. Hope to see you there.

The conference will be held in Plainfield, a rural New England village in the Green Mountains of central Vermont (approx. 10 miles northeast of Montpelier). We will meet at the Institute for Social Ecology's educational facilities (which also include spectacular views, a pond, and organic gardens) and the Plainfield Town Hall. There are national and state forest parks nearby, as well as swimming holes and hiking trails; Montpelier offers restaurants, cafes, and other urban amenities.

Presentation proposals are now being accepted. Deadline is May 25th, 2003.

We are now accepting proposals for presentations. Women, people of color, those outside academia, and others often excluded from scholarly life are especially encouraged to apply. We're looking for presentations that do one or more of the following:

analyze and/or critique current social relations and dilemmas--from globalization, nationalism, and the so-called war on terrorism, to new technologies, (post)modernity, and physical and virtual spaces

share work and ideas on anarchism's relevance and potential as a political/social theory as well as a practice, particularly within the emerging new social movements

attempt to grapple with and constructively challenge/build on standard anarchist notions in light of a radically changing world

cover a wide variety of perspectives and disciplines--from history and cultural studies, to philosophy and anthropology, to science and social and political theory, to economics and contemporary trends.

Presentation proposals should be up to one typed page. Please include a presentation title and brief description, a few sentences about yourself, and complete contact information (address, phone, and e-mail). Indicate if you feel comfortable having your presentation audiotaped, and if so, if you would be amendable to post-conference "publication" of such audio on a Web site or CD. Keep in mind that presenters are asked to limit their presentations to about 20 to 30 minutes, and end by framing a question or two for the participants in order to facilitate about 45 minutes of discussion. We are also happy to entertain proposals for panels; besides a title and brief description, panel proposals should include the names, short bios, and contact information for all panelists.

CALL FOR VIDEO OR PERFORMANCE PROPOSALS

We are also accepting proposals from videographers and/or performance artists. We will likely only have one evening of performance art (theater piece, music, slide show, etc.) and one or two evenings of video screenings. Please send us a brief description of your performance piece and/or video along with your name, a few sentences about yourself, and complete contact information (address, phone, and e-mail). Videographers: please feel free to send along a copy of the video(s), regardless of whether you can attend the conference itself; videos cannot be returned, but we'll donate them to the Institute for Social Ecology's library.

arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)